NFL draft grades are a necessary evil. Every outlet does them, every fan reads them and every fan complains about them. But as long as they keep happening, we will keep talking about them. We took a stroll around the internet and discovered that for the Pittsburgh Steelers, draft grades are all over the board. And it seems that whether or not you include Minkah Fitzpatrick in the deal weighs heavily on how the Steelers did.
Draft Wire
Our friends over at Draft Wire gave the Steelers a B+ for their effort. It’s hard to say how much including Fitzpatrick in the deal was a part of the final decision but they noted how Pittsburgh pulled in multiple guys with starting potential, even on the third day of the draft.
Touchdown Wire
Touchdown Wire wasn’t quite as optimistic, as they gave Pittsburgh a B- for their haul. While their breakdown was largely optimistic there was no mention of the Fitzpatrick trade and they did point out the steelers did not draft a cornerback, which is a need for the future.
USA Today
Like Draft Wire, USA Today chose to give the Steelers credit for the Fitzpatrick trade in their grade. Also like Draft Wire, their final grade for the Steelers was a B+. They were more optimistic about the potential of running back Anthony McFarland Jr. and his ability to overtake some of the veterans on the depth chart.
Sports Illustrated
The low grade for the Steelers came from Sports Illustrated. While they acknowledged the trade for Fitzpatrick, it didn’t seem to figure in at all as they gave the Steelers a C for the draft. Their biggest criticism and a fair one is that this class might not have much of an impact in 2020.
NFL Network
The top grade for the Steelers among the internet pundits came from the NFL Network. Not only did they love the trade for Fitzpatrick, but they also gave high marks to the Steelers for the selections of Claypool and Highsmith. This all worked out to Pittsburgh receiving an A-. Is that too generous? Perhaps but this draft class will become more clear in a season or two.
ESPN
Most fans consider ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. the top pundit in the NFL draft business. He poured over the Steelers draft and gave them a B-. He liked the pick of Highsmith but was pretty lukewarm at the rest including Claypool. In fact, his B- included factoring in the trade for Fitzpatrick, noting it was all that saved the Steelers from a C.
